F&I

Dealer Specialties Supports Industry Security Guidelines; Joins OSA

January 29, 2007
• by Staff

CINCINNATI – Dealer Specialties, a division of Dominion Dealer Solutions and a provider of data and photo collection, inventory management and data distribution services, announced that it has joined the Open Secure Access (OSA) coalition. As a member of OSA, Dealer Specialties is committed to develop and support industry data security guidelines, including where vehicle inventory information is transmitted and how third parties use the information.

“Our customers entrust Dealer Specialties with the management of their data and ensuring it reaches the appropriate destinations as intended by our agreements,” said George Nenni, president of Dealer Specialties. “Our goal is to continue providing comprehensive business solutions while protecting the best interest of our dealers.”

As part of its initiative, Dealer Specialties is reviewing standard contract terms required from every third party vendor or partner that licenses the use of inventory information. Dealer Specialties’ standard contracts include language that allows for immediate data feed suspension, and other remedies, for any unauthorized usage. The contract continues to prohibit unauthorized distribution or resale of information.

“To protect our dealerships, Dealer Specialties requires data partners and all third party vendors to sign an agreement. Although this policy traditionally has not been popular with portals, OEMs or website companies, our commitment is to our customers. Data security and integrity is a natural part of our business,” said Nenni. “Our contract requirement has been used for many years and is a major selling point for our customers because they trust we are not marketing their data to any third party that will use the information in an unauthorized fashion.”

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Two years ago, Chris Brown went looking for a way to facilitate sales, trade-ins, and financing for car buyers who prefer to shop online. Today, his Seattle-area Subaru dealership is doing just that, and he says the experience he and his team deliver is just as ‘stress-free’ as ever.

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